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03/26/25 - The Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium was rocking from the heavy weights lifted and thrown down by 11 gravity-defiers during the NMI Local Weightlifting Competition 2025 last Saturday.
The differently weighted barbells lifted by each athlete represented their dedication, effort, and time spent in their respective sport, with the goal of showcasing their strength, mental and physical fortitude, and testing and pushing the limits of their bodies.
In the women’s division, 2024 Micronesian Games flagbearer and veteran weightlifter Antonette Labausa topped the two-person 77-kg category. She lifted a total weight of 169 kg from a best snatch of 75 kg and a best clean & jerk of 95 kg.
Meanwhile, fellow weightlifting team pool athlete Riella Ichiuowas right behind her with a total weight lifted of 163 kg. Her best snatch recorded was 73 kg, while her best clean & jerk was 90 kg.
In the 63-kg division, Pipit “Pip” Ball reigned supreme with a total weight lifted of 130 kg. She had a best snatch of 55 kg, while her best clean & jerk was 75 kg. Second place was Devine Pua at a total of 118 kg. She lifted a best snatch of 53 kg and a best clean & jerk of 65 kg.
Frincess “Max” Garcia was the lone entry in the 86-kg division with a total weight lifted of 70 kg. She had a best snatch of 30kg and a best clean & jerk of 40 kg.
Young lifter Janie “JJ” Manglona lifted for fun as she didn’t make weight and lifted a total of 105 kg. She had a best snatch of 45- g and a best clean & jerk of 60 kg.
In the men’s division, weightlifting team pool athlete Joey Colisao took first place in the 110-kg division. He totaled 290 kg from a best snatch of 130 kg and a best clean & jerk of 160 kg. Second place Jason Limes wasn’t far behind as he lifted a total of 284 kg from a best snatch of 124 kg and a best clean & jerk of 160 kg.
Airman and multi-awarded medalist Leowell Cristobal, home from vacation, made an appearance in the local weightlifting scene and competed in the 71-kg division. He lifted a total of 245 kg. He had a best snatch of 105 kg and a best clean & jerk of 140 kg.
Young lifter Aiden Gimed competed in the 79-kg division and collected a total of 221 kg. He had a best snatch of 101 kg and a best clean & jerk of 120 kg. And Deion Sabino lifted a total of 150 kg from a best snatch of 65 kg and a best clean & jerk of 85kg.
Competition coordinator and competitor Antonette Labausa said of the event, “I thought that the volunteers really came through and really helped out. It’s a really great event and was nicely put together. We were able to use some of the new technology that the [Northern Marianas Sports Association] has and we’re grateful for our technical officials, our loaders, and everybody who volunteered their time today to make this a good event—and of course everybody that came and supported.”
For her performance, she said, “I think I am on the right track preparing for the Mini Games in Palau. So, to come within my best lifts for my last lifts, I think it’s on the right track, but still not satisfied. We’re still working towards improvement. I was able to move down a category to the new category. That was a challenge, but given the results and the changes that I’ve made, I think I’m on the right track.”
Colisao, who works in construction on Tinian, said the competition was “good, especially the environment because like I said, I’m down there all by myself, so it’s good to have this competition and have all these people out here, bring myself out again, and be a lot more alive. Down there is just quiet.”
He added, “I’ll continue to compete as long as I can… I’ll keep competing for NMI even if I’m like 70—I’ll try,” he said with a chuckle.
Story by Leigh Gases
Video edited by Thomas Manglona II
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